BP begins Atlantis platform

BP has completed commissioning of the Atlantis semi-submersible platform in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and commenced the export of oil and gas from the deepest moored floating oil and gas production facility in the world.

Production commenced with the commissioning of wells and facilities in October 2007. With gas facilities and export pipelines now fully commissioned, gas sales have started and oil volumes are increasing. Additional wells will continue to be brought on stream, and the facility is expected to reach plateau production by end of calendar year 2008.

BP began production operations in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico in 1995. Since then, the company has participated in a series of major projects, investing more than $14 billion.

BP is operator of Atlantis with 56 percent ownership. BHP Billiton has a 44 per cent working interest.